The shimmering violet
cube descended from the sky. Raven watched it from his perch atop the Principal
Office. It had been way too easy to infiltrate the place and search the records
in the file room (which also yielded nothing incriminating about Dot Matrix).
But that wasn't his concern now. His chance had come.

Raven descended the
spiral stairs and crept through the silent corridors of the Office. At times,
he had to use certain devices at his disposal to bypass security. At one point,
Raven had to pin himself against a wall to avoid a security bot and he was
about to make his next move when he sensed someone watching him. He turned
sharply and was shocked to find an elderly sprite standing where the hall had
been empty nanos before.

Raven was stunned into
immobility. Never had anyone caught him so unawares. He metallic-skinned sprite
regarded him quietly. Raven realized this must be Phong, the Keeper of the
Core. His gaze did something to Raven. It spoke of an ancient knowledge. The
mercenary realized how he must look to the Old One. He was dressed all in black
and armed to the teeth, saying he was lost wouldn't fly with this one.

"You have lost your
way, my son?" The sprite spoke in a quiet, intelligent voice.

Raven was like a man
entranced, "Yes, Old One."

The sprite adjusted his
glasses, "Do not worry, you will find your way in time."

With that the venerable
old sprite turned and rolled in the opposite direction. Raven found he couldn't
move and it was the sound of the security bot returning that forced him into
action. Raven dashed down the hall, searching for the venerable sprite, but he
had disappeared. Raven swore. Now he truly had to act before the Old One
alerted someone.

The game cube was already
down by the time Raven found his way outside. Attached to his belt was a
detonator. Raven lifted the small square box into his hands and pressed the
button.

From far away, came the
satisfying sound of an explosion. Followed by the entire sector known as
G-Prime going dark and as Raven knew, the Bookmark Tower.

Raven smiled and raised
his right hand to his mouth. Integrated into a special glove that he wore were
a mini computer and communicator. He spoke into the communicator now,
"Ignition."

His ship would be here by
the time he finished at the Tower then he would leave the system once he
obtained the information. He could study it at his leisure. Raven decompressed
his special zip board and was off.

***

"Any casualties? Was
anyone hurt?" Dot asked. She had set up her command center in the kitchen
of her home in New Lost Angles. Enzo sat across from her at the kitchen table.

"No, Sir,
Ma'am," the CPU reported. "But people are scared and G-Prime is
totally dark."

Enzo looked up from his
own organizer, "Just G-Prime?"

The double-sided
vid-window gave both Matrix's a view of the CPU officer. "Yes sir, it
seems the explosion only damaged certain machinery at the power center."

"Is the fire under
control?"

"Yes Sir, Ma'am. As
soon as the fire is out, we'll start an investigation."

Another window opened,
"This is Sergeant Four at G-Prime, we need some assistance over here.
People are relatively calm but we've had a few disturbances."

"Lieutenant, send
two squads to assist in G-Prime." Dot said.

"Yes Sir,
Ma'am!"

"What a time for a
game cube to fall," Enzo said.

"I think we can
handle things here without Bob and Matrix," Dot said. "Auxiliary
power has already been activated. The CPU's should be able to handle any
disturbances."

"Mommy?"

Dot smiled down at her
daughter. The tiny sprite stood in her pajamas, a fuzzy pink blanket clutched
under her arm. "The big boom scared me."

"Aw, come here,
sweetie," Dot lifted Eve into her lap.

"Mom?" Now Key
had entered the kitchen. "Um could I hang out with you and Enzo?"

"Sure. Come
on," Dot patted the chair next to her.

"What was that
noise?" Key said.

"Big boom," Eve
said.

"Some trouble at the
power station," Enzo said. "Don't worry, squirt. We have it under
control."

"According to
this," Enzo snapped his organizer shut. "I can't seem to get any
information from here. I think I'll go up there."

"Why? Why don't I
just send a CPU?"

"Because they won't
be able to get into the office without me there anyway," Enzo said.
"It may just be a computer glitch that I'll need to fix from there but
this information is too sensitive to leave anything to chance."

Enzo lifted Eve into his
arms and carried her to her room. He sang one his favorite lullabies to her.
One of the ones Dot used to sing to him. As he was tucking her in Eve said,
"Are you going out Enzo?"

"Yes, muffin."

"Be careful,
'kay?"

"Okay."

"I feel kinda
funny," Eve said.

"Does your tummy
hurt?"

"Kinda," she
said. "Do you have to go?"

"Well - I need to
see what's wrong. I'll be back soon."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

Enzo frowned, wondering
what was wrong. His niece was acting like she was afraid she'd never see him
again.

***

Raven bent over the
console and allowed himself a satisfied smile. It was all here. All of the
business records, client information and personal account information of Matrix
Enterprises. He had had a time getting through all the encryption. Whoever had
done it was truly an artist.

He began downloading the
information to his ship's computer. There was quite a lot and it was taking
longer than he liked, but it couldn't be helped. The office was in
semi-darkness, except for the emergency lights.

His mind began to wander,
something he never allowed himself to do and he found it wandering to
Hexadecimal. He had spent another pleasant evening with her and had stolen a
steamy kiss. He really did enjoy her company. She wasn't like any other woman -

To Raven's complete and
utter shock, the office door swung open. Raven couldn't believe it! Who could
possibly be here at this hour? Raven straightened away from the console in
astonishment and came face-to-face with an equally astonished Enzo Matrix.

***

Enzo zipped though the
warm night air towards the Bookmark Tower. He sighed as he looked back at the
game cube. He would be in there, if he had chosen to become a Guardian, but
things had changed and so had he. He only hoped Bob was being honest with him
when he had said he wasn't disappointed that Enzo had decided not to become a
Guardian.

Again, the guard admitted
him with little fuss. They were also used to seeing him pull late hours at the
Tower. He took the lift up, stopped at the Café (open twenty- four milliseconds
a second) for a cappuccino and continued on up.

The hall was empty and
dim and Enzo liked things that way. It was easier to concentrate in the quiet
and solitude when he worked late. Enzo punched in his security password. The
office door opened, he strode in, and froze.

Someone was standing at
the console. A menacing figure in black, the lower half of his face concealed
by a half mask, the upper part separated into slits but Enzo recognized those
piercing gold and ruby eyes.

For a moment, both men
were paralyzed with shock.

"You!" Enzo
cried.

Laroux swore and raised
his right hand and before Enzo could react, he squeezed his hand into a fist
and a silver projectile shot from his glove and slammed into Enzo's chest. The
impact knocked Enzo back several feet. He hit the floor with a painful
expulsion of his breath. Sparks of white light ran across his flesh, deadening
his limbs until he was unable to move.

Laroux swore again and
crossed the room, closing the door. Helpless, unable to even move a finger,
Enzo watched him.

"My apologies, Mr.
Matrix, but this wasn't supposed to happen," he said. "No one was
supposed to be here."

Enzo tried to open his
mouth to speak and found he couldn't even do that. He only hoped the CPU's Dot
had said she was going to send would arrive soon.

"I will only stay
until I have what I want then I will depart this system," he said.
"The paralysis will wear off within a half-millisecond with no adverse
affects."

Enzo gave him what he
hope was a defiant look. Laroux ignored him. For a time, the man continued to
observe the console. Laroux looked up, at the sounds of fists pounding on the
door.

Please, Enzo silently begged. Stop
him.

Laroux turned abruptly
and strode to the balcony, opening the doors wide. A rush of wind came in and
Laroux turned back to the console. The pounding ceased. Time passed.

Then all web broke loose.

Searchlights suddenly
pierced the muted red light. "Attention intruder! You are an unauthorized
entity within the Bookmark Tower! You will surrender yourself peacefully and
immediately!"

Laroux swore loudly and
inventively. Enzo saw him raise his hand to his face and mutter something.
Suddenly, the sky outside was ablaze with light and the sounds of rapid gunfire
shattered the silence.

GAME OVER.

"No!" Laroux
strode towards him. "My apologies Mr. Matrix but I must alter my plans to
suit my needs. I must not be captured."

Laroux now appeared to be
tapping the glove of his right hand. The patterns were too deliberate and Enzo
guessed he had a mini-computer. "Teleport."

A shower of white light
surrounded them, similar to what Hex used to teleport people and the scene
around Enzo changed. Although he could not see far, Enzo found himself in an
enclosed space but all he could see was some cabinets.

No! Enzo cried in silent protest. He
couldn't believe it. He was being kidnapped! Enzo felt the ship move.

"Clearing system
boundaries in twenty-three nanos. Unidentified ships in pursuit."

"CPU's" Raven
said, "You will cease and desist in your pursuit of me."

"Unidentified
craft," Dot's voice came over the com, "This is Dot Matrix,
Command.com of Mainframe. You will surrender peacefully, turn your ship and
allow the CPU's to escort you back to the Bookmark Tower."

"I think not,"
Raven said. "Order your men to cease and desist and allow me safe passage
from this system. I have your brother, Ms. Matrix."

"What? You will
release my brother this instant!"

"Let me leave or he
dies," Raven said.

"You lousy son of
null!" Dot cried. "If you so much as lay a hand on him --!"

"Raven, calculations
are complete, shall I generate the portal?"

"On my mark - ready
- now!"

Enzo felt a sickening
lurch. He stomach heaved, and he had to force the bile back down his throat for
fear of choking.

"Course laid in and
set," the computer said. "No indication of pursuing craft."

"Autopilot."
Raven said.

Enzo heard the footsteps
approaching and Raven knelt down beside him. "We are away from
Mainframe."

Enzo wanted to cry out.
To curse this person that was stealing him from his home but the paralysis
still had him. What was happening to him was incomprehensible. He suddenly
remembered Eve's words. To be careful, as though she knew this would happen.
All the time he had traveled to other systems, trying to satisfy his
wanderlust, he had always known he had the choice of going home. Now home was
lost to him possibly forever.

Raven was saying
something. "You will not be injured if you cooperate. I'm going to release
you from the field now."

Enzo watched him.

"There's no escape.
You're on a ship traveling the net so I'd suggest you wouldn't try
anything."

Raven shot a second
projectile into his arm and Enzo cried out against the pain - and realized that
he could. The sparks faded.

That was an
understatement. The whole room was reeling. Finally everything righted. Enzo
looked up and for the first time got a clear look at Laroux's - Raven's face.
He had removed the half mask and those gold-coin eyes stared at him
impassively.

"How do you
feel?" Raven asked.

Enzo shoved away from him
and back crawled, "You lousy son of a null!"

"Like brother, like
sister," Raven said.

Enzo stood on legs that he
wasn't certain would support him, "You kidnapped me!"

"Your grasp of the
obvious is frightening."

Enzo went to lunge for
him but in a swift movement, Raven drew a laser pistol, "I wouldn't!"

Enzo straightened,
"What do you want from me?"

"From you, nothing."
Raven said. He motioned with the pistol, "Move."

Enzo's mind worked
frantically. He had to find some way to escape this random sprite. Raven walked
him to the rear of the ship. In the midst of storage spaces was a small room
with a cot, table and a lamp. "Inside."

Enzo stepped across the
threshold, noticing the room had no door. Raven punched some buttons on a
control panel in the wall and an energy field barred his escape.

"Had this specially
made for certain guests," Raven said. "I can't watch my back all the
time."

"You won't get away
with this," Enzo said.

"I believe I already
have," Raven said.

"Where are we going?
What's going to happen to me?"

"As to where, that's
not your concern. As to what's going to happen? Well that depends on you
doesn't it?" He turned to walk away.

"Who are you?"

"I am known as
Raven," he said, "I was employed by my client to obtain information
on your sister."

"You were hired by
Ran DeCrypt weren't you?"

Raven said, "I'm not
at liberty to divulge that information."

"Are you
disappointed that you weren't able to take Dot's kids?" Enzo shot at him.
"Too bad you had to settle for me."

Raven turned and looked
at him then. It sent a shiver through Enzo. "No."

"What do you mean,
no?"

"The children were
never the intended target if it came to this," Raven said.

"You mean to tell me
you had no intention of kidnapping Dot's kids? You expect me to believe
that?"

"What you believe
doesn't concern me," Raven said. "Dot Matrix's children were never
the intended target, you were."

Enzo stared at him in
openmouthed shock.

"I don't take little
kids," Raven turned and walked away.

"So is that supposed
to make you seem honorable to me? It still makes you a kidnapper and a common
thief!"

Raven faced him,
"Again, what you think of me doesn't concern me as well. I suggest you
relax, we have a long trip." Then he walked away.

For a moment, Enzo stared
at the retreating figure. Despair warred with relief in his core-com. All
right, so he had been taken. He'd find a way to escape. Relieved that this man
hadn't taken Key and Eve.

But what was going to
happen to him now?

***

Seven years into the
past

Dot had warned Bob not to
let Web Alliance turn this fiasco into a virus-hunt but that's what it seemed
to be as Dot sat in the front row of the conference center. She sighed when she
saw Bob at the conference table. He still looked somewhat tired and Dot knew he
felt this was a waste of time. Time he should be spending on the
investigations.

AndrAIa sat on her left
and Mouse to her immediate right. Ray had opted to stay at the factory but had
demanded a complete report of the goings on. There was more space on the bench,
for Hexadecimal, Melissa and Little Enzo. Dot really hadn't wanted her brother
here but she had agreed to let him attend for two reasons.

First off, Dot knew
Melissa would need him in her corner. Dot had told him so when Enzo had asked
to go. Second, she knew eventually, news of what was going on here would reach
mainframe and Dot didn't want Enzo being fed second-hand and possibly
inaccurate information.

Bob had expressed some
concern but in the end had agreed with her.

Right now the two virals
and her little brother were back stage. The people poured into the room,
filling it to capacity and beyond. Bob's security force lined the walls. Dot
felt a hand lay over hers and she found Mouse smiling at her. "Don't
worry, Dot honey, everything's going to be okay."

AndrAIa was smiling at
her to, "We'll get through this like everything else."

"I hope so,"
Dot said.

Lynx banged his gavel for
order and the room obtained a semblance of quiet.

"Welcome everyone to
the this second gathering of the Citizen's Council." Lynx said. "As
previously stated the purpose of this meeting is to determine what needs to be
done to halt the unrest that is currently plaguing the Super Computer as well
as bringing the guilty to justice."

Link turned to Desdemona,
"If you will give up a recap of what went on at our last meeting?"

Desdemona read from a
Notepad, the plans Bob had spoken off, as well as the military situation. They
seemed like sound ideas to Dot and her heart swelled with pride for her
boyfriend.

"The meeting
adjourned early, as there was a 'situation' that occurred that I understand is
being dealt with, Prime Guardian?"

"Yes," Bob
said.

"How?" Someone
yelled from the crowd.

"There was a virus
here, was he caught?"

"What about the
serial murders?"

"What murders?"

"Murders!"

The crowd was working
themselves into a frenzy and Lynx rapped for order, "Well, Prime
Guardian?"

Dot saw Bob sigh,
"Very well. Recently, there have been a series of disappearances outside
of the city. We were not prepared to make an official announcement as we are in
the midst of our investigation and did not wish to cause a panic. An official
statement was to be made once we had gathered more information."

"It's a
cover-up!"

"Unfortunately,"
Bob continued, "We found what we believed to be the bodies of these
missing people. Although we have not verified this they seem to have been
affected by a viral bug. We have a medical team on the situation even
now."

Again the crowd became
agitated.

"Please
everyone!" Bob turned and faced the crowd, "Please do not panic! I
assure you measures are being taken to apprehend the ones responsible and
ensure your safety."

Lynx was rapping
viciously with the gavel. Bob turned and gave Lynx a scathing look. Dot could
hardly blame him.

"Prime Guardian we
request a full report of the measures you are taking to apprehend this
dangerous person," Lynx said.

"When I make the
official statement I'm sure you'll be the first to know, Lynx," Bob said.

"That Lynx fella has
a spy somewhere in the Collective," Mouse commented.

"Yes, I know,"
Dot said grimly. "Doesn't Lynx realize he could seriously compromise the
investigation?"

"I suggest we
postpone these meetings until our investigation is complete," Bob said.

"On the
contrary," Lynx countered, "These meetings would be an excellent
source of information for the common populace. Surely you don't wish incorrect
information to be relayed."

"Very well, but
they'll be on my terms now. When I have additional information, I'll relay it
to you. Fair enough?"

Lynx conferred quickly
with the other members, "Agreed."

Lynx spent a moment
flipping through his Notepad before his gaze fell on Matrix. "Enzo
Matrix?"

The renegade stood,
"Yes."

"You know why you
have been summoned to speak here?"

"Actually, no."

"Web Alliance has
observed you for some time now," Lynx said, "Although I am sure you
weren't aware of it."

"No I wasn't."

"It was agreed at
the last meeting that the case involving Neuron Cyber would be discussed at a
later date and only with interested parties, however," Lynx went on,
"there is a little matter of other crimes you have committed, most
important of all being Daemon's spy."

"That's a lie!"
Matrix said over the noise of the crowd.

"Is it?" Lynx
glanced from Bob to Dot. "Before we continue, are you two still supporting
him?"

"Of course we
are!" Bob and Dot spoke at the same time.

"I am not and never
was a spy," Matrix said.

"Why don't you admit
it?" Lynx cried, "Neuron found out about you and you deleted him
because of it!"

"Captain Lynx!"
Bob said, "I thought we agreed!"

Lynx fought to compose
himself, "Would you like to tell us what happened that day?"

"No it
doesn't," Lynx said, "But perhaps this does. Are you familiar with a
virus lord named Krile?"

"Yes."

"So you admit you've
associated with him?"

"Yes - but at the
time I didn't know he was a virus lord. He had a unique power, to mask his true
form."

"Did you know he was
one of Daemon's agents?"

"No," Matrix
said. "Look I didn't even hear about Daemon until I reached the Cantina
Port System."

"I see," Lynx
said, "Can you tell us what you did for this virus lord?"

Matrix said, "Krile
asked me to find someone for him. He said the sprite had stolen sensitive
information from him and asked me to get it back."

"And you didn't
question this?"

"I didn't care, we
needed the money." "And you found this man, who turned out to be a
prominent official attempting to break Krile's hold on the system."

"I found that out
after --,"

"After Krile had him
deleted. In a trap that you led him to."

"Yes."

"But you took his
money anyway?"

"I had to!"
Matrix cried. "You couldn't possibly know what it's like, lost and alone.
Hungry, not knowing where your next meal is coming from."

"Yet you took other
jobs for Krile and delivered messages to cohorts of his, other agents of Daemon
and when you had to leave the system Krile assisted you?"

"I didn't know
anything about that!" Matrix said. "I didn't know any of them were
associated with Daemon!"

"Do you expect us to
believe that?"

"Yes, because it's
truth," Matrix said bitterly. "I was basically just an errand
boy."

"I also have witnesses
that state you did jobs for other agents of Daemon in exchange for money. Some
you betrayed and turned over for execution."

"I don't know what
you're talking about!"

"The man you
collected a bounty on in System 776 was an agent of Web Alliance."

"I was told you was
a criminal."

"And you believe
everything you're told?" Lynx said, "You were paid well for that
too?"

"You're not
listening to me Lynx! I did what I had to do to get through my ordeal!"

"Captain Lynx,"
Bob spoke up, "Just what did you expect him to do? He was a boy, trapped
in the games. We've all done questionable things to survive. You can't blame
him for that and you certainly can't assume he's Daemon's spy."

"He did other things
for people, the gathering of information, turning people over to the
authorities," Lynx said, "You never asked questions, you never once
thought 'this is wrong'?"

Lynx turned to Bob,
"Prime Guardian now that you know some of the thing he's done, will he
punished accordingly?"

"Punished, for
trying to survive? No Captain Lynx I won't. He's no more guilty of anything
than I am."

"There are others in
other systems who will demand justice," Lynx said. "I leave you to
deal with them. I would prepare if I were you and I would most certainly demand
a full account of Matrix's activities during his travels.

"Is that all?"
Matrix hissed.

"For now," Lynx
said. Went back to his Notepad effectively dismissing Matrix. "Now Prime
Guardian, another matter has been brought to our attention that we'd like to
address."

Dot looked back at the
crowd that was still in a state of mild agitation. Hopefully whatever this was,
it wouldn't stoke the flames again.

"Prime Guardian, we
would like to ask about Guardian Infection Protocol 999." The noise level
dropped. Dot saw Bob clench his fists and he paled.

"What's that?"
AndrAIa whispered.

"I think I
know," Dot said and she glanced at Mouse. The hacker for the first time
Mouse had known her looked positively stricken.

"And how is it that
you are aware of that?" Bob whispered.

"Is it true that
this was the protocol utilized by the Collective that resulted in the web
invasion of Mainframe?"

Dot saw Bob flinch as old
memories assailed him.

"That horses
ASCII," Mouse muttered, her hands balled into fists.

"It's okay
Mouse," Dot squeezed her hand.

"I guess that's why
I'm here," Mouse said, grimly. "It was my fault."

"Mouse! It
wasn't!"

"I should have
known," Mouse seemed to be talking more to herself.

Dot almost missed Bob's
answer, "Yes."

"The protocol is
utilized when a web creature invades a civilized system?"

"It is."

"The web portal was
caused by a Level 6.0 blast from an explosive device planted by the Guardians?"

Bob sighed,
"Yes."

A confused whisper went
across the crowd.

"To mend and
defend," Lynx said bitterly.

Bob's hands fisted again
and his face twisted in disgust.

"The Protocol
stipulates that when a web creature enters a civilized system, the solution is
to destroy that system, is that true Prime Guardian?"

Again the noise level
rose.

"Understand that if
a web creature were ever to invade the net it could contaminate every system.
Imagine Captain Lynx. The end of processing, as we know it would be the
ultimate result. Web creatures reproduce at a phenomenal rate. They would feed
off code and contaminate every living being not out of malice of course, but
out of natural instinct and the fight to survive. The web is their natural home
and once outside of it well - it would be like you're being lost in the
web."

"So your saying the
protocol is accurate? That systems invaded by Web creatures are
destroyed?"

"Yes," Bob said
finally.

The crowd erupted into
shouts of fury. Lynx hesitated before pounding his gavel. Dot looked back and
saw the hatred on the faces of those present. Hatred for her beloved. Dot saw
the look on Bob's face. Despair, guilt and perhaps anger? It was hard to tell
with all the imperceptible changes.

"Ms. Dot
Matrix?"

Dot was shocked when her
name was called. "Yes?"

"You are the
Command.com of Mainframe?"

"Yes."

"And could you
verify that this was the protocol utilized that resulted in the war and the
ultimate destruction of your system?"

Dot was despising Lynx
just then, "Yes."

"Then war was hard
on you wasn't it Ms. Matrix?"

"You have absolutely
no idea!" Dot hissed.

"Were you made aware
of this protocol by Guardian 452 at the time of the war?"

"Yes."

"At what time?"

"What?"

"When did Guardian
425 make the protocol known to you?"

"After my rescue
from the web creature."

"So you had no
knowledge of this beforehand?"

Dot glared at him.

"Realize Ms. Matrix
you're not obligated to answer any of these questions."

"Thanks," Dot
said bitterly. Of course if she refused to answer, that would be the same as
saying yes. "No, I had no beforehand knowledge."

"Ms. Mouse."

Mouse looked up, her eyes
blazing.

"You were employed
by the Guardians to obtain confirmation of the web creature?"

"I was."

"And they secreted a
bomb in the communicator you were given?"

"How in the net did
you know that?"

"Lynx I demand to
know where you're getting this information!" Bob yelled.

"Why is that
important? Is destroying a web creature worth the cost of millions of innocent
lives? How many times has the Guardians utilized this protocol? How many people
have you murdered?" Lynx screamed.

"The Protocol is no
longer in use!" Bob screamed back, "It will never be utilized
again!"

"How many?"

"None! As far as I'm
aware, the protocol has not previously been utilized."

"Only on the system
that you were sworn to protect," Lynx said. "If I were the
inhabitants of that system, I'd despise you right now."

"Well Lynx,"
Dot spoke up, "That's proves that you're not and could never be a citizen
of Mainframe."

Lynx glared at her but
she looked at Bob, who gave her that cocky half smile.

"Order!" Lynx
rapped the gavel, "We will adjourn for fifteen microseconds. After which,
the virals will be brought forward."

"This bytes!"
Cooper Black hissed. The representatives of the Collective along with Hex,
Melissa and Little Enzo had gathered backstage. "Why are we letting them
do this to us?"

"We don't have a
choice," Bob turned to face the wall. "You heard that crowd out
there. The last thing we need is for people to start developing cover-up and
conspiracy theories.

"Who in the net
cares what they think?" Cooper said.

"You should
care," Katiyana glared at him. "Are you not still a Guardian? Your
protocols are to protect. To mend and defend."

Cooper turned away,
"I say we just break this whole thing up." He strode over to Bob,
"Prime Guardian, I can't believe you told them about Protocol 999!"

"What choice did I
have?" Bob shot back at him. Dot moved closer to him and he was grateful
for her presence. "What we should be more concerned with is who in the net
has been feeding them information. You wouldn't know anything about that would
you Cooper?"

"Prime Guardian I
don't have to stand here and take these accusations." Cooper turned and walked
away.

Mouse, who had been
leaning against the wall sharpening her katana muttered, "Good riddance to
him."

Bob sighed deeply and Dot
placed a hand on his arm. "I'm okay," he smiled.

Bob looked to where Enzo
was sitting next to Melissa. The little sprite had a strange look on his face
and had been glancing at Bob regularly since they had walked into the room.
Every so often, he would whisper something to Melissa and she'd nod and look at
Bob to.

"How ya doin' Little
Man?" Bob asked.

"What? Oh, I'm okay
Bob," Enzo said and went back to talking to Melissa. Bob wondered what was
wrong.

One of the binome
attendants stepped into the room, "They're reconvening," he
announced.

"Back into the lions
den," Bob muttered.

***

Bob once again stood
before the Citizen's Council. Cooper's empty seat was a minor annoyance.

"Bring the virals
in," Lynx was saying. "We must ask that everyone be calm. Prime
Guardian Lan has assured us that both virals are benign."

The crowd didn't believe
that for a nano. Bob resisted the urge to turn around. Hexadecimal and Melissa
were led out by two of the attendants. The mood of the crowd could only be
described as ugly.

Melissa stayed pressed to
Hex's side and despite the power Bob knew she had, the girl-child virus looked
terrified. Hex on the other hand look mildly annoyed.

The good thing about the
whole mess was the Citizens Council looked twice as terrified as Melissa.

Lynx cleared his throat,
"Ms. Hexadecimal?"

"Yes, love?"

Lynx turned bright red,
"You and your sister are the daughters of Daemon?"

"I believe that was
already established," Hex said.

The mood darkened. People
were shouting oaths and threats now.

"What assurances can
you give us that you and your sister won't take Daemon's place and attempt to
gain control?"

"Delete them!"

"Lousy virus
scum!"

"Oh my sister and I
have no intention of taking over everything," Hex said. "We just want
to have fun and live in Mainframe, isn't that right my love?"

"I and my colleagues
are officially vouching for both virals," Bob said.

"The Collective is
supporting them?"

"Yes."

"After what their
mother did to this city? To you?"

"Yes," Bob
said.

"How can we be sure
that the reason you're supporting them isn't because you're under their
control?" Lynx said. "How can you be certain they won't try to take
over? My apologies Prime Guardian, but how can you assure our safety?"

"What do you suggest
I do, Captain Lynx?"

"Delete them! Delete
the virus trash!"

"Take them
now!"

The crowd suddenly and
unexpectedly erupted into violence. The people surged forward in a murderous
wave. Bob turned and raised his hands, calling on his power.

"Calm, everyone
calm!" Bob screamed as the glow enveloped him.

But the crowd was beyond
reasoning as they converged on the conference table and the podium in a mad
rush to get to the virals.

"Hex, go!" Bob
screamed and the Chaos Virus made a motion with her hand, snatching Little Enzo
out of harms way, then she teleported. Despite the absence of the virals, the
ferocity of the crowd escalated.

"Stop, everyone
stop!" Bob cried, "They're gone!"

A dozen people, hands
grabbing at him, surrounded him, faces sneered their hate. Bob struggled
against the onslaught as fighting ensued. He saw Mistress Katiyana go down,
Colonel Tempus fighting, utilizing his soldier's training. He didn't see Matrix
or Mina at all and that sent a lance of fear through him.

Bob shoved back at the
bodies that surrounded him using pulsing blasts of his power. He struggled to
escape, to find the one person that mattered to him. Then his eyes saw
something that turned his blood cold. Dot in the midst of a knot of people, she
was fighting, but they soon overcame her, dragging her down.

"No!" Bob
screamed, reaching out. "Dot! Dot!" Then he was dragged down
underneath a sea of pounding fists and screaming voices. Desperately, Bob
called on his power and the golden light, exploded surrounding him, repelling
those that tried to hold him. Bob struggled to his feet was knocked down again
and began fighting wildly as the first inkling of true panic began. He gave a
cry of rage.

Then suddenly, everything
seemed to slow.

His legs felt as though
they were dragging through mud, the screaming voices were suddenly deep
super-slow unintelligible sounds.

And then in an eye blink
Bob was outside, behind the conference center and his friends and loved ones as
well the representatives of the Collective were there as well.

"What the?" Bob
looked around.

"Well don't just
stand there gawking, Prime Guardian!" Hexadecimal stood by their waiting
transport. "You must deal with this situation!"

"Hex, remind me to
thank you later," Bob took a nano to asses the situation; everyone seemed
well with the exception of Mina, who was unconscious in Katiyana's arms; before
rushing to Dot's side. Already, people were spilling from within the center.
"Dot?"

"I'm fine," she
smiled up at him.

"You're not
fine!" Bob said, "Dot, I have to --,"

"I know. Go
on."

"Matrix, Colonel
Tempus?" Bob said.

"I'm with you
Bob," Matrix said.

"As am I Prime
Guardian," Colonel Tempus said.

"Me too,
sugah," Mouse said.

"No way Mouse,
you're hurt, get everyone to the medical center," Bob was already rushing
away, "And contact Ray, we could use his help! I'm counting on you
Mouse."

Matrix drew Gun and
decompressed his zip board. Colonel Tempus was already on a communicator
summoning his troops.

Bob was speaking into his
own communicator, "I need all available personnel in body armor to Sector
1005 at the Outlook Center - riot conditions. Have medical transports at the
ready. Set up barricades at these coordinates."

The crowd was spilling
out of the front of the center. Small skirmishes commenced, but most of the
people seemed to be trying to escape the melee. Bob concentrated on the ones
bent on causing mischief. Fortunately, the disturbance wasn't in a highly
populated civilian district, it was mostly warehouses and businesses.

Several small groups,
using the confusion as cover began making attempts at looting. Bob instructed
Matrix and Tempus to fan out in opposite directions to make their presence
known, but not to engage any of the aggressive groups until their backup
arrived.

There were also citizens
injured in the confrontation. Bob was shocked to find Peg Walrod among them.
Unfortunately, she had attended the meeting as she had promised only to get
caught up in the fighting when it started. Bob found her within one of the
businesses, a small gift shop. The owner was attending to her wounds. She
assured Bob she was fine and Bob told her to stay put until he could procure an
escort home for her. A band of five sprites and binomes converged on the shop.
Bob warned them away but two rushed him and he had barely enough time to call
his power to subdue them. He was cut by one brandishing a broken bottle but not
severely, and refused assistance from the shop owner.

Nanos later their backup
arrived and began rounding up the groups that had caused trouble. Barricades
were set up surrounding the trouble area at the radius that Bob had ordered.
Guardians and soldiers in groups concentrated on trouble areas. There were less
people to deal with much to Bob's relief.

It was not all easy. They
meant with some resistance and at one point, the group, which Bob led, were
openly attacked by at least a dozen rioters. Bob came away with some cuts and
bruises but was otherwise unscathed.

The medical transports
were set up at various intersections in the city to treat the wounded. Matrix
was rounding up another group that had begun to loot a warehouse and Colonel
Tempus escorted a group of injured citizens to a transport waiting at a major
intersection. It was there that the three met after Bob received reports that
all instances of unrest were put down.

Tempus and Matrix were
helping to treat some of the citizens. Tempus was just treating a young woman
with some minor cuts when Bob approached.

"Report
Colonel."

"All my men have
stated that they've caught many of those involved in the violent activity.
We've made dozens of arrests and treated twice as many at the medical
transports. We can't tell for certain who is who unless they were caught at
something, but for now the situation had been controlled."

"Matrix?"

"We've taken care of
the group at the warehouse. My group also made quite a few arrests. Looks like
Tempus is right."

Tempus suddenly gave an
exasperated sigh, "Prime Guardian, did you wait for the contingent of men
I sent to assist you?" Tempus reached out and lifted Bob's cut hand.
"You've been injured."

"You're supposed to
be watching him," Tempus said to Matrix before turning away and climbing
into the transport. When the colonel stepped outside he was carrying
antiseptic, gauze and tape.

"Matrix was
following my order," Bob said. "We had more important things to deal
with at the moment."

Tempus dabbed at the cut
with the antiseptic, "I am aware of that, Prime Guardian," the
Colonel went about bandaging Bob's hand. "But you must be more
careful."

"You're concern is
appreciated, colonel."

"Here comes your
friend," Tempus suddenly said.

Bob turned and smiled as
Ray descended on Baud. "G'day mates. Looks like I missed all the
action."

***

The waiting room of the
medical center was a mad rush of staff and injured people. Bob, Matrix and Ray
strode briskly up to the desk. Before Bob could speak the on- duty nurse smiled
up at him and said, "Oh Prime Guardian! Thank the User. Your friends are
waiting for you. I was told to take you right to them."

The nurse led them down
the corridor to a waiting room. Mouse, AndrAIa, and Katiyana were waiting for
them. Each man went immediately to his significant other. Colonel Tempus
tentatively approached Katiyana.

"No you
shouldn't," Enzo said, decisively. Dot looked at him, marveling at how
mature he sounded. "You were hurt and needed to see a doctor."

The door came open,
"Hi gorgeous."

"Bob!"

"Oh boy, here comes
the mushy stuff," Enzo mumbled.

Bob gave him a wry look,
then crossed the room and kissed her. Enzo shook his head, gave Bob his own wry
smile and left the room.

"They said you were
all right but --," Bob said.

"Just some cuts and
bruises," Dot smiled to reassure him. "I'm fine."

"You are not
fine!" Bob drew back the hospital gown. "Your all bandaged up."

"Bob!" Dot felt
her cheeks warm but she didn't stop him.

"I'll make certain
you're never hurt again," Bob whispered, his lips pressed gently against
her forehead, "So help me, User, if anyone ever touches you again I'll
--,"

"Bob," Dot
pressed two fingers to his lips. "They say I can leave if I have someone
to look after me. They gave me some medication."

"Yes, you can stay
at my place - I mean the apartment I have at Council Hall. I'll take care of
you for a change," Bob said.

"One of the perks of
being Prime Guardian?"

"Of course,"
Bob said.

"Wait what is
this?" Dot turned over his bandaged hand.

"It's nothing,"
Bob said, "We successfully managed to subdue the riot but not without some
difficulties."

"I'd say this was
more than a difficulty."

Bob said, "I want to
take you home first - I mean - um --, "

"I know what you
mean."

"Then I need to find
Captain Lynx." Bob said. "I didn't notice whether or not his people
got out but these meetings, if we continue to have them, will no longer be open
to the public and will be held at the Hall. Maybe that's what I should have
done in the first place. Yet another mistake."

"Robert Lan, don't
you dare start wallowing in self pity."

Bob laughed and kissed
her forehead, "You'll never let me do that, will you?"

Both looked up at the
sound of the door opening and Matrix strode in.

"Matrix!" Dot
straightened away from Bob reached out her hands.

"My User, Dot!"
Matrix closed his big hands around hers. "Why did this have to happen to
you?"

She smiled slightly at
him. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine - everyone's
fine besides some cuts and bruises," Matrix said, "I'm more worried
about you. What did the doctor say? Are you going to be all right?"

"Good," Matrix's
voice was suddenly cold. He leaned over and kissed his sister tenderly on the
forehead, "I'll be back in a nano and don't worry, I'll get whoever did
this to you." And he left the room.

"Bob."

"Don't worry, I'll
keep him out of trouble," Bob said. "I'm going to check on the
others. Mina Value was hurt pretty bad. They're examining her now. I want to
see how she is. I'll be right back, don't go anywhere."

"I'll be waiting for
you," Dot said. She was satisfied. She released the figurative breath she
had been holding. The one she had been afraid to release until she knew he was
safe.